Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for pendimethalin in various crops

Abstract

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, Germany, hereafter referred to as the evaluating Member State (EMS), received an application from BASF to modify the existing MRLs for pendimethalin in various crops. In order to accommodate for the intended uses Germany proposed to raise the existing MRLs to 0.2 mg/kg on salsify, to 0.5 mg/kg for the group of herbal infusions (roots) and to 0.3 mg/kg on spices (seeds) and on caraway, whereas the intended uses on swedes, turnips, celeriac and celery were not sufficiently supported by data and no amendment of the MRLs was proposed. Germany drafted an evaluation report in accordance with Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 which was submitted to the European Commission and forwarded to EFSA. According to EFSA the data are sufficient to propose a MRL of 0.2 mg/kg on salsify, 0.5 mg/kg on herbal infusions (roots) and 0.05 mg/kg (LOQ) on spices (seeds) and on caraway. The intended uses on swedes, turnips, celeriac and celery are not adequately supported by residue data and no MRL proposals can be therefore derived. Analytical enforcement methods are available to control the residues of pendimethalin in the crops under consideration, which are fully validated on salsify matrices; further validation data would be desirable on herbal infusions and spices. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concludes that the proposed use of pendimethalin on salsify, herbal infusions (roots), spices (seeds) and caraway will not result in a exposure exceeding the toxicological reference value and therefore is unlikely to pose a consumer health risk.